Mysuru, August 8, 2026: “India is facing the challenges of the present day with strength and resilience. Indians are establishing a distinct identity in various fields, both at home and abroad, through their talent, intelligence and hard work. Today’s youth must recognise this and take responsibility for leading the India of the future with pride, determination and passion. The country needs young people who are committed to working for India,” said Dr. K. Jayaprakash Rao, retired Principal Public Relations Officer, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
He was speaking after inaugurating the Undergraduate Cultural and Sports Forum at JSS Arts, Commerce and Science College, Ooty Road, Mysuru.
Emphasising the broader purpose of education, Dr. Jayaprakash Rao said that basic education is essential for every student and should not be pursued merely as a means of securing employment. “Education should help an individual become a good citizen. As Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam believed, not working for the country amounts to self-deception. Although India has attained political independence, true independence can be achieved only by becoming self-reliant in several areas,” he said.
Highlighting India’s achievements in science and technology, he said it was a matter of pride that India is among the select countries in the world to have made significant achievements in satellite technology. He also urged students to love the country and respect their elders.
Shri M. Yogendra, retired Central Tax and Customs officer and international sportsperson, who was the chief guest, stressed the importance of sports for both physical and mental well-being.
“Sports activities are essential for a healthy body and mind. Every student should devote at least one hour a day to some form of sporting activity. Sports keep the mind alert and help improve concentration, memory, willpower and self-confidence,” he said.
He encouraged students to participate actively in extracurricular activities, cultivate the habit of reading books, and live their lives with ambitious goals and dreams.
Presiding over the programme, Prof. B.V. Sambasivayya, Principal of the College, said that cultural and sporting activities play a significant role in the overall personality development of students.
“Such activities help develop organisational skills, leadership qualities, critical thinking, eloquence, courage, fortitude, morality and a spirit of service. All these qualities are essential for achieving success in life,” he said.
He advised students to draw inspiration from the lives, personalities and achievements of Sir M. Visvesvaraya, Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Swami Vivekananda, Rani Lakshmibai and Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
Prof. Sambasivayya further observed that participation in sports builds mutual trust and confidence and teaches individuals to accept defeat with dignity. These qualities, he said, have a positive impact on life by strengthening self-esteem and self-confidence, improving health and, most importantly, instilling discipline.
He called upon students to have a clear goal in life, cultivate an attitude of learning something new every day, use mobile phones in moderation, respect their teachers, uphold the trust placed in them by their parents and take care of their health.
Shri V. Shiva, Coordinator of the Cultural Forum, and Shri M. Karthik, Physical Director, were present on the occasion.
Student Ms. R. Sushmita made a presentation. Ms. Saujanya welcomed the gathering, while Ms. Priya and team rendered the invocation. Ms. S.S. Anu proposed the vote of thanks.